Howling gray timber wolf painting using soft pastels on Uart sanded paper

I was absolutely thrilled when I was asked by one of my wildlife art collectors to paint a wolf portrait for them. They wanted a second portrait to match the Canada Lynx portrait they previously acquired from me and I thought a wolf would be an excellent subject to accompany the feline art piece. This particular composition I created with some artistic creativity and about four different reference images. I think my favorite part of painting this piece was when I added the mist created by the wolf's warm breath.

I really do have to paint more wolves as they have to be my absolute favorite wild animal. And who doesn't like to hear their haunting howls?

"Northern Serenade"-Gray Timber Wolf

soft pastels on UArt sanded paper

7" x 7"

Sold

www.colettetheriault.com

Dalmatian custom pet portrait commission (pastel painting)

I was asked to create a memorial portrait of my client's beloved Dexter as a special present for their. daughter.  I am told she had a special bond with him and they would love to surprise her with a professional portrait of him. Dexter had a goofy and lovable personality which prompted the family to get a second Dalmatian; both are very special!

Sometimes, when a dog has passed on, it can be a challenge to find good quality photos to work from. As professional artists, it is our job to render our subjects as accurately as possible so on occasion, we must use additional reference images to guide us with the details. In this instance, the photo that was to be used for the pose was not very good for several reasons. Firstly, the dog was photographed using a flash which leads to the white fur being over exposed and also resulting in glowing eyes. Important detail is lost and the subject looks flat because of lack of shadows. The second issue with the reference photo is that it is not in focus, so again, important detail is lost. Lastly, the photo was taken too far away so one has to crop the image to show only the head/shoulders which increases digital pixelation and further reducing detail. I really prefer suitable photos as it makes my job so much easier but alas, not all is lost, and here's the proof!

The client is very happy with the results of their portrait!

"Dexter"

Dalmatian Portrait

8"x10"

Soft Pastels

Commission (sold)

Yellow Labrador mix pet portrait pastel painting

Sometimes it is not possible to acquire that perfect pet photo reference that is so important in creating a suitable portrait. Most often it is because the pet has passed and finding good photographs can be almost impossible. However, I can generally use several not-so-good poses to come up with a nice composition that the client will be pleased with. Such was the situation when creating the portrait of lovely "Maggie", the beloved family pet of my client's friend.

In this pose, I had to use the head shot of a different image and "magically" transfer it to the body pose of another photo. It is not always easy because one needs to take into consideration angles, lighting, color and of course, proportions.  Maggie was a well fed pooch and so I strived to capture her true (full) silhouette...

This dog is yellow Labrador most likely mixed with German shepherd.  I wonder what breed she got her white feet from?

Pet Portrait of "Maggie"

14"x18"

pastel

 commission

Tortie Cat Drawing Time Lapse Demonstration Progression Art Video

If you have a moment, why not turn up the volume and check out my drawing progression/demo video that I put together. I am repeatedly told that people really enjoy watching how my portraits come to life on paper or canvas so rather than post a dozen or so still photos, I've arranged them in this clip, along with captions and relaxing music!

Follow my channel to get notifications of new videos!

This cat's name is Two Face and she is a long haired tortoiseshell cat  that I was commissioned to draw. Click on the image to start watching....

Dog pet portrait commission from photo

I was commissioned to paint a portrait of a beautiful dog named "Jimi", whom sadly passed away of cancer at the tender age of 12.  The portrait was to be given to the client's spouse as a Christmas gift to commemorate the life of their cherished pet.

There are countless poses to choose from when creating a portrait and the client in this case chose a traditional head/shoulder pose where Jimi stands so handsome and proud !

Jimi

dog portrait

pastel

11x14

Commission

Drawn to Nature Solo Exhibition by Colette Theriault

I am pleased to announce my upcoming exhibition at Artists on Elgin, Sudbury Ontario, begining April 1st to the 27th, 2017. The opening reception/meet the artist will take place on Saturday, April 8th from 1-4 pm. Everyone welcome!

Christmas pet portrait commission of Pit Bull Terrier dog

With my solo show just around the corner, I have been quite busy in the studio creating new works and neglecting to update my blogs and website...I will try to post paintings more often as I have many to share with you!!
So today, I thought I'd share a secret commission that I completed last year for a client. It was given as a Christmas present for their spouse.  The dog portrait was done using pastels on suede panel and it took many hours of layering to get the details just right. Isn't she a real sweetie??

"Duchess"

Pit Bull Terrier

pastel

11x14

COMMISSION

Dog Portrait of Shih Tzu and Terrier mix

Pets mean so much to us that they have taken the role of our "furry children" as some people call them. The loyal companionship and unconditional love are probably the main reasons why we keep pets. So, it is no wonder that we want to cherish them forever, and what better way to honor them than with a custom portrait?

I am always thankful when it is possible to meet my subjects in real life as I can instantly get a sense of their true character...something that I always strive to capture on a portrait, along with the obviously important true likeness of course! So, when I was asked to help with photographing these two "fur sisters", I was thrilled at the chance to meet them. As I explained to the client, it is not necessary to capture the two pets on the same photo...that is something that the artist has the ability and freedom to do when they paint or draw their portrait!

Since it is not always possible for me to photograph your pet, I obviously must rely on the client to provide me with photos of them. I am always available to help you choose the right photos for your pet and create one or several "mock up" images to help you decide on the right pose, FREE of charge.  And if you don't have that "perfect" photo of your pet, no worries as I can use my artistic license along with your verbal or written description to create a likeness that you will love!

Chloe and Kacey

11x14

pastel

Commission

Painting in pastel of black capped chickadee and golden aspen in autumn.

I am thrilled beyond thrilled that this fresh new painting of 2016 sold, and before it was ever completed! Since I've  had multiple inquiries about purchasing this chickadee painting, I fully intend on producing limited edition giclee prints so that others can enjoy it as well. And of course, more bird paintings to come in the future!

Photographs of original artwork never do them justice and this one is no exception. I still have to scan and tweak a digital copy to match the original as close as possible but this photo gives you a good idea of the warm soft glowing light shinning through the heart-shaped aspen leaves. So, I aptly named this artwork "Heartwarmer"; I hope you like it! Feel free to share if you like my work! Thanks so much!!

SOLD

"Heartwarmer"

Black-caped chickadee in trembling poplar

approx 8x10

pastel

Private Collection

More work available on my website gallery www.colettetheriault.com

Painting in Pastel: A Golden Retriever Portrait Commission

I was asked to paint a portrait of this charming Golden Retriever to be presented as a birthday/graduation gift.  The pose below is actually a composite created from two of the client's photographs (the dog was in the snow).  It can be tricky to compose a portrait in this manner as the artist has to consider lighting, angles, and proportions and ensure these are accurately rendered. 

To view more detail, click the image to enlarge.

"Cooper"

8x10

pastel

Commission

Time-lapse Video of a Pastel Painting of Fisherman on the Spanish River, Ontario

Most of my commissions represent great sentimental value to my clients/recipients and this one is no exception. The gentleman portrayed in the scene is unfortunately no longer with us and the family wanted something to remember him by that would bring back fond memories.

The scene is located on the Spanish River at a favorite fishing spot in front of the family cottage on a calm but sunny and warm day.  I can't think of a better portrait to commemorate this particular individual.


For more videos of my paintings and drawings in progress, visit my youtube channel at:

Colette Theriault youtube channel

"Fishing the Spanish"

COMMISSION

11x14

pastel

Step 5 Great Egret Bird Painting work in progress

On this step I have completed most of the bird's long neck feathers. I continue to add dark to medium grey and brown pastel as my under-painting, to created those parts of the white plumage that are darkened by shadows. Stay tuned for more feather painting!!

For those who are curious, the bird is a Great Egret, (Ardea alba), also named the Common Egret, Great White Heron.

Step 4 of Egret bird painting using pastels

I am at the stage now where the bird is starting to pop out of the painting.  The light subject and a dark background creates strong contrast.  Keep watching for more updates!

Egret bird painting work in progress

Now that I've worked most of the background on the left side of the bird, the fun part of adding the main subject can begin!

Although it may be hard to see on this image, I've been adding undertones to the bird's head feathers to give some strong contrast against the white body. Click on the closeup image for a better view.

New tropical bird painting in pastels on my easel!

I started working on a new bird painting featuring a tropical species that I photographed in St-Augustine, FL several years ago. I have so many reference photos that sometimes, I want to paint them all and really have a hard time choosing which one to do next.

Working in pastels requires protective framing (which can be expensive!!) and since I already had the perfect frame for this composition,  I decided this was the one!  I hope you enjoy watching the progress of this piece.

Temagami Lake Ontario sunrise painting in pastel

This pastel landscape painting of a lake sunrise is the second piece featured at the GNO's Nouveau Louvre Exhibit in Sudbury, Ontario. The dark spruce trees and their mirror reflection contrast against the pale baby blue and coral sky/water. What a glorious calm morning on this beautiful pristine Northern Ontario lake....the start to a picture perfect fishing day!

SOLD

Temagami Sunrise

Pastel

8.5x12

Private Collection

Pastel Painting of Shetland Sheepdog Portrait Commission

What's not to love about Shelties? Although their long and luscious coat can be rather challenging to render, they are one of my favorite dog breeds to paint.

This portrait unfortunately had to sit on the back burner for longer than I would have liked but it is now finally completed and has been approved by the very patient owners! This Sheltie will be heading home very shortly :)

Pet Portrait of "Ozz"

pastel

11"x14"

commission

Cavalcade of Colours show and sale, Onaping Falls, Ontario

There were many, many beautiful entries in this show so I was quite thrilled when I found out my little blue jay painting earned this Honorable Mention Award ribbon! He would make a truly unique and affordable gift for someone special this coming holiday season...please contact me for details.

"Dressed in Blue"

pastel

4x6

Available

A few recent awards and news

Back in July, I was super thrilled that all three of my submissions were accepted into the La Cloche Juried Art Show (Whitefish Falls) AND  absolutely overjoyed that my miniature pastel painting earned First Place in the pastel category!  To top it off, on closing day I found out that I had sold two pieces!! Have a look...

"La Cloche Glory"

pastel 

2.5" x 3.5"

SOLD

"Anchored Off Shore"

pastel

8" x 10"

SOLD

"Balancing Act"

pastel

13" x 9"

Available

(please contact the artist)

Artists For Conservation 2015 Exhibit Book

With anticipation, I finally received the 2015 Nature in Art Exhibit Book from AFC!

This year, my painting of a snowy egret entitled "Angel Feathers" made the cut and was accepted into the online exhibit. It was not available for the live exhibit in BC because the painting sold several years ago, but nonetheless, was chosen and is now published in this beautiful hardcover. I am so very thrilled and honored to be part of such a prestigious organization!

Click on the book page below to read the print!

You can view a better image of the painting by clicking on the images below: